Shameless Essay: How is class represented in this extract?

Q: How is social class represent in this extract of Shameless?

Class is a very controversial topic, where opinions differ depending on how you are affected by the world around you. There are many different opinions on social class, and with that comes, challenge. There are various programmes which challenge social class, one of these is Shameless.

In this certain clip, it starts with a close up shot of two characters – possibly husband and wife – slouched on a couch. Already the audience see a representation of class. If the two characters were sitting in an upright position, audience may interpret them as upper class. But the fact that they are slouched, may suggest that they are not upper class, but almost working class. As previously stated opinions differ, some people may think slouching may be misrepresenting class, others may think otherwise. Costume is very important in this particular clip. Costume is often thought to be associated with the social hierarchy. Stereotypical costume such as suits with bowties, are often associated with the upper class, and tracksuit bottoms and hooded jumpers are often associated with the working / lower class, like before, opinions differ. In this clip it clearly shows the costume of the characters, which would suggest that these characters were lower class.

The first few scenes of this clip, shows strong relationship between the man and the woman. The constant close ups show the emotions of the characters towards each other, and the shot reverse shot, links the two together. A common stereotype is that lower class people have no responsibility for their own actions, and only form relationships that benefit themselves, rather than worrying about others. But this clip goes against that stereotype. It clearly shows that these two characters have a special relationship, which can benefit them both. By adopting, they are taking on the responsibility of the child, therefore challenging this specific stereotype.

In this clip the adopted mother is shown as the house keeper, who does the washing, cleaning and looks after the children. The scene when the boy and adopted father come home, clearly shows the adopted mother is doing the washing up. Also the shot of the boy and adopted mother, suggests that the adopted mother is looking after the child, acting as his protector, which is a very common stereotype. In this particular clip, Shameless is conforming to the stereotypical motherly image, but this may be a misrepresentation, compared to the present day. From the 20^th century and backwards, women were often seen as the house keeper, and looked after the children, whilst the father went to work to earn money. Therefore this clip may be a representation of the past, but not the modern day, as women are no longer seen as the house keeper, and are on par with the men of the modern day.

Certain scenes of this clip show that males, in particular are not responsible for their own actions. For example, the scene of Frank in the pub is a prime example of this. Frank is consuming alcohol and smoking, in front of his recently born children. This does not give off a good impression, and clearly shows that Frank does not and will not take responsibility of his children, therefore conforming to a lower class stereotype. A common stereotype is that fathers are supposed to lead by example, and be some who you can look up to, as you grow up. But in this case, Frank is not setting an example for his children, and is not taking on the responsibility of bringing up his children. This is a complete contrast to the adopted parent’s story. The adopted parents show clear signs of responsibility for a child, whereas Frank does not. The fact that Frank is drinking, may also be a common stereotype. Drinking alcohol was seen as a masculine act, before the realisation of the effects of alcohol, being consumed heavily.  This particular scene is suggesting that lower class males, are masculine, but this compared to modern day views is not accurate.

Steve is portrayed as a petty criminal in this clip. Chiaroscuro lighting is used to create shadows, connoting mystery, and deviousness. As the policeman enters, we realise that Steve has committed a crime, and is indeed a criminal. The use of this lighting is very significant, as it clearly outlines that Steve is guilty of a crime, before the audience even knows it. The body language of Steve is also an important part of establishing him as a criminal. Like Frank, Steve does not want to take responsibility for his actions. The slouching suggests he doesn’t care, and shows he doesn’t want to take on responsibility for his actions.

In this clip of Shameless, it clearly shows a mixture of representations of the lower class, both challenging and conforming to common stereotypes. The representations of males and females may seem outdated, compared to the modern day, and may be a misrepresentation of the lower class. Despite this, the clip uses, camera movement and angles to help portray the characters, and allow the audience to make their own judgement, before revealing the truth.